Upton, Hoogendyk match deficit claims in first debate

KALAMAZOO -- A western Michigan congressman and his Republican primary challenger are arguing over who's the bigger deficit hawk.

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton and former state Rep. Jack Hoogendyk debated Sunday evening at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.

They are scheduled to debate again July 3 on WKZO-AM.

Hoogendyk said the federal government needs to radically cut its spending and said Congress can do it if it has "some intestinal fortitude." He said he backs a tea party and Republican Study Committee proposal to balance the federal budget in five years.

Upton said he's worked for a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution and backed a House Republican budget plan to balance the budget in 10 years.

Upton said he wants tax rates to fall, while Hoogendyk said rates should stay the same.